A New Song

 And so the last chapter of 2016 has concluded... and the open book of 2017 has begun...

Amidst the pages of 2016 there have been many stories, but the theme running through it all has been "God is faithful."

The beginning of Psalm 40 reads:
"I waited patiently for the Lord;
And He inclined to me and heard my cry.
He brought me up out of the pit of destruction, out of the miry clay,
And He set my feet upon a rock making my footsteps firm.
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God"

God has done that for me.  He heard me, delivered me, and restored me.  And now I can sing again.

Over the course of 2016, God has been bringing me back to life, healing my heart... and teaching me many things as I found my new song.

I learned that healing cannot be rushed or forced, but must be journeyed through.

The healing just... happened... by me just... letting it... it's not easy to explain... but now I feel free... light... new.

I had to let the pain and bitterness and guilt be felt, bring that to God, and then let myself feel His truth, His love, and His forgiveness.  I had to let people pour into me with their encouragement and support.

I found spiritual renewal and healing with God, and received what I call "spiritual hugs" from Him, and I received physical hugs and support in abundance from the wonderful family and friends God has given me. 

And it was through those healthy relationships, those healthy emotional connections, and letting the feelings come but then releasing them to God, that healing came and I was restored.

Restored after emotional abuse that almost got physical.  Restored after betrayal.  Restored after divorce. 

Restored and freed.

Focusing on those good relationships, with God and with the people who care about me,  brought about the full restoration I needed.  I had to let the truth sink in, the truth that I am loved and valued, by God, family and friends.  My spiritual relationship with a good God and my physical relationships with good people... those were key to healing.

Over 2016, I have been "loved on" and uplifted by God Himself and the many people He sent my way, and I could not be more filled with gratitude.

God has taken me out of the mire and set me on a rock.  He has taken me out of numbness, out of brokenness, and given me joy and peace.  He has given me a new song... a song of hope, of freedom, of praise to Him for how faithful He has been. 

God made me alive again.

I have learned that time with God is the best balm for my soul, that Jesus is the most patient, loving friend and the Holy Spirit the provider of the comfort I need.

I have learned that true strength comes by persevering, that forgiveness is freeing, and that love is healing.

I have learned that God can revive the heart, and breath fresh life into hopes and dreams.

I have learned that with God, all things are possible, and that His love is very deep, and very real.

O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things
~ Psalm 98:1

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.
~ 1 Chronicles 16:34

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